Article Highlights:
1 - Get a Firewall.
2 - Update your anti-virus tools.
3 - Install anti-spyware tools.
4 - Secure your network.
5 - Never respond to spam.
6 - Switch web browsers.
7 - Know your world.
World Proofing your Computer
| The Basics |
|---|
| 1 - Get a firewall. 2 - Update your anti-virus tools. 3 - Install anti-spyware tools. 4 - Secure your network. 5 - Never respond to spam. 6 - Switch web browsers. 7 - Back up your data. 8 - Know your world. |
Did you just get a new computer? Perhaps you recently signed up for high speed (broadband) internet access. Exciting times indeed.
It's a wild web world out there. If you're going online then you need to take precautions. The web world has become a difficult place in the last few years. Viruses, malware, spam, and scams have forced us all to be vigilant about our online experience.
The list below are the highlights of what all computers owners should do at a minimum before connecting to the internet.
Basic Precautions
1 - Get a firewall - A hardware firewall/router would be the preference. A software firewall is also acceptable. It acts like a traffic cop for information flowing between your computer and the internet. Install one before you go online. A modern hardware firewall/router (also called a NAT Router) will also free your computer from the work of maintaining the online connection to your ISP, or running extra firewall software.
If you really think you don't want a hardware firewall, at least turn on the software Firewall in Windows XP. It's not fantastic, but for most average users, it's much better than having nothing at all. MacOS users should enable their Personal Firewall.
Links:
Find hardware routers at:
Staples, Future Shop, Best Buy.
Software firewalls:
Zone Alarm, Windows XP Firewall, MacOS Firewall
2 - Keep your anti-virus definitions up-to-date. This is needed for anti-virus software to do their job. Update at least weekly, if not more frequently. Get some advice on what software to use. Just because your computer comes with a known anti-virus package, don't automatically believe it to be the best. Only one run anti-virus package on your machine.
Links:
AVG Free Personal Edition, F-Secure, Kaspersky , MacOS Anti-virus
3 - Install Anti-spyware software. They work like anti-virus tools but they look for malware (spyware, keyloggers, autodialers, worms & trojans). Also keep these up to date. Update weekly or even more regularly. Free anti-spyware software can be excellent but has to be updated manually. Most purchased software offers automatically scheduled updating. You can have several of these running on one computer. 2-3 maximum otherwise they'll trip over each other.
Links: SpyBot, Spyware Blaster, SpySweeper, MacScan
4 - If you use a wireless network, be sure to secure it. Don't just plug it in and hope for the best. Encrypt your communications using the wireless routers built-in tools. If you use wireless hotspots (coffee houses, airports, hotel lobbies) be aware that you're broadcasting your information publicly unless you take special precautions.
Links: Wireless Encryption, Notes for MacOS, Privacy in Public
5 - Never respond to spam. Don't try to unsubscribe, don't send threatening letters. Just trash them. Use the Junk Mail feature available on most email systems to help train the software to recognize unwanted junk mail. If you need to sign up for online forums, chat, or newsletters, consider getting a 'throwaway' email address such as a GMail account.
Links: Activating Junk Mail Filters, Avoiding Junk Mail
6 - Switch your web browser to FireFox or Opera. These web browsers are excellent and are not so tightly integrated with your Windows Operating System. This makes them safer than browsers that have access to key parts of the OS.
Links: Firefox (MacOS or Windows) , Opera
7 - Make Backups. When you have a problem with your computer then it's already too late. Insure yoursef and your business by making regular backups of your important files. If possible, back up your files offsite (at a different location from your computer) so you spread your risk. CD/DVD's are a great and inexpensive way to store your files. Also consider a service like Data Deposit Box. It's easy and you don't have to remember to do anything special.
Links: Data Deposit Box
8 - Learn to understand what you're doing online. Also keep an eye on what other users (family or friends) are doing when they use your PC! Are they using chat systems, downloading software, installing 'neat gizmos'? This could be very bad news.
This may sound like a lot, but it's really just the basics. If you take these steps you will protect yourself against the majority of annoyances and threats online. As a bonus, your computer will serve you better. Wouldn't that be nice?
Disclaimer: the links and advice provided here do not represent guarantees or endorsements. They are provided for information and educational purposes only.
